BILL NUMBER: SCR 72	CHAPTERED  05/09/00

	RESOLUTION CHAPTER   56
	FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE   MAY 9, 2000
	ADOPTED IN ASSEMBLY   MAY 4, 2000
	ADOPTED IN SENATE   APRIL 10, 2000
	AMENDED IN SENATE   APRIL 5, 2000

INTRODUCED BY   Senator Escutia
   (Coauthor:  Assembly Member Gallegos)

                        MARCH 16, 2000

   Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 72--Relative to arthritis.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SCR 72, Escutia.  National Arthritis Awareness Day.
   This measure would declare that the Legislature understands the
extent of, and sympathizes with, the severity of the impact of
arthritis on California, and would recognize that Thursday, May 18,
2000, is National Arthritis Awareness Day.




   WHEREAS, Arthritis refers to more than 100 different diseases that
affect areas in or around joints; and
   WHEREAS, The disease also can affect other parts of the body; and
   WHEREAS, Arthritis causes pain, loss of movement, and sometimes
swelling; and
   WHEREAS, Arthritis limits everyday activities such as walking,
dressing, and bathing for more than seven million Americans; and
   WHEREAS, Arthritis is one of the most prevalent of chronic health
problems and the nation's leading cause of disability among Americans
over 15 years of age; and
   WHEREAS, Arthritis is also the leading cause of worker disability;
and
   WHEREAS, Arthritis affects people in all age groups, including as
many as 285,000 children; and
   WHEREAS, According to the National Health Interview Survey, an
estimated 43 million Americans have arthritis; in 1990, it was
reported that four million Californians suffered from arthritis; and
by 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 7.4
million Californians will struggle with the disability; and
   WHEREAS, Arthritis prevalence increases rapidly after age 45, and
in most individuals is chronic, lasting for life; and
   WHEREAS, As the leading edge of the baby boom generation enters
the prime years for arthritis, a quantum leap in the number of
persons suffering from arthritis will take place and the impact on
individuals and the nation's health will grow dramatically; and
   WHEREAS, Arthritis costs the United States economy an estimated
$65 billion annually, an estimated 2.5 percent of gross national
product; and
   WHEREAS, An average of eight physician visits per person are made
annually for arthritis, double the average of physician visits per
person for all other causes; and
   WHEREAS, Arthritis accounts for 427 million days of restricted
activity, 156 million days in bed, and 45 million days lost from
work; now, therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly
thereof concurring, That the Legislature of the State of California
understands the extent of, and sympathizes with, the severity of the
impact of arthritis on California; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Legislature recognizes that Thursday, May 18,
2000, is National Arthritis Awareness Day and appreciates the efforts
of the California Arthritis Foundation chapters to seek access to
care for all Californians.
